While the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers prepare for a Super Bowl rematch, the rest of the NFL looks toward the offseason. Even though he didn’t make the playoffs, pass rusher Danielle Hunter had perhaps the best season of his career heading into free agency. Starting and appearing in all 17 games, the former third-round pick finished the season with a career-best 16.5 sacks.
Danielle Hunter has now made the Pro Bowl in his last four healthy seasons and should be one of the best pass rushers in free agency. Minnesota cannot use the franchise tag to keep him around, and it appears as though Hunter has no interest in taking a hometown discount.
Speaking to reporters, the pass rusher said that he’s “staying in shape, doing my part, and then when the time comes, my agent or the Vikings, they’ll come to a decision. We’ll just see what’s best when the time comes.”
Danielle Hunter: “We’ll See What Best” In Free Agency
Danielle Hunter is no Myles Garrett, but he is one of the better pass rushers in the league. A homegrown talent entering his age-30 season, it’s safe to assume that the Vikings would like to have him back in a perfect world.
Unfortunately, this is not a perfect world. Kirk Cousins is also set to hit free agency, and the team cannot use the franchise tag to keep him around. Seeing as Minnesota currently has the 11th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, so unless they want to reach for someone like Bo Nix, they have no chance at a top quarterback prospect. They’ll need to re-sign Cousins if they want to compete in 2024, which means that Danielle Hunter might leave in free agency.
Even though the Vikings might not be able to keep him from hitting free agency, Danielle Hunter should have no shortage of suitors. Getting to the quarterback has never been so important in today’s pass-happy NFL, and few are better at it than Hunter. While every team will have some interest in him, these five make the most sense.
Possible Team Fits
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have the second-overall pick and the most salary cap space in the NFL. With a defensive-minded head coach in Dan Quinn leading the way, don’t be surprised if this team invests heavily in the defensive side of the ball. Washington traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young during the 2022 trade deadline, which means they need to find multiple players capable of getting after the quarterback. Danielle Hunter could very well be the best option in free agency, and the Commanders have the financial flexibility to outspend everyone.
Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud has turned the Houston Texans into a playoff team. Now, it’s time for Nick Caserio to turn this roster into a Super Bowl contender. Will Anderson showed plenty of promise as a rookie, and pairing him with a proven veteran like Danielle Hunter in free agency could bring out the best in the promising prospect. Having a franchise quarterback on a rookie contract is one of the biggest competitive advantages in sports, so Houston can afford to pay market rate to bring someone like Hunter to the Texans.
Chicago Bears
It’s do-or-die for Matt Eberflus and the Chicago Bears. With Justin Fields (presumably) departing in favor of Caleb Williams, this team needs to start winning some football games. While just about every position on the roster could use some help, the top priority should be finding more edge rushers like Danielle Hunter in free agency. The team has plenty of cap space and shouldn’t have an issue adding Hunter while still bringing in some offensive linemen to make life easier for their new franchise quarterback.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have no salary cap space, but they’ve never let that stop them before. The fact of the matter is that Dennis Allen is on the hot seat, and if he can’t turn it around soon, New Orleans will start to look for someone who can. The Saints lost multiple key free agents on the defensive line last year, and they never found any proper replacements. While it’s too early to completely give up on Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey, the team should look to add a veteran like Danielle Hunter in free agency. The NFC South will probably remain weak in 2024, which means New Orleans should have good odds of winning the division if they can improve their pass rush.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs made it to the Super Bowl in large part thanks to their great defense. However, while there are playmakers at every level of the field, they could use another edge defender. Mike Danna, George Karlaftis, and Charles Omenihu all ranked outside the top 60 in PFF grade among edge defenders. First-round rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah, meanwhile, hardly saw the field during his rookie season. Perhaps Karlaftis and Anudike-Uzomah can improve with experience, but this team should consider investing in a high-level veteran. With $23.8 million in cap space, they should be able to afford Danielle Hunter in free agency.
Main Photo: Kareem Elgazzar – USA Today Sports
